Physicochemical Aspects of Uro-crystallization and Stone Formation

摘要: Urinary stones are predominantly crystalline and the precipitation of uro-crystals must obey physical-chemical principles applicable to crystallization in a broader sense. Key amongst these is requirement for supersaturation be generated, providing necessary thermodynamic driving force crystallization. The three main processes nucleation, growth, aggregation all dependent on degree supersaturation. Nucleation will heterogeneous (occurring at surface) can only sustained above equilibrium condition. Once nucleation has occurred, growth proceed until saturated achieved, although continuous flow urinary system may maintained by replenishment with fresh solute. A new process recently been recognized involving ordered clustering nanocrystals, which brings together elements aggregation. relevance this uro-crystallization not yet clear. Of established significance presence inhibitors promoters urine. These might act through changes or directly interface between crystals solution their nucleating substrate.